Preview: Cubs at Reds

May 26, 2013|Reuters

SportsDirect Inc.

Preview: Cubs at Reds

The Cincinnati Reds will try to wrap up their second three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs this month when the teams clash Sunday afternoon at Great American Ball Park. Cincinnati has won 19 of 24 meetings with Chicago since the start of last season, including seven of eight this year, after a 5-2 victory Saturday. The Reds have won five in a row and 12 of 14 overall, while the Cubs have dropped a season-high six straight.

The pitching matchup figures to be a good one with a pair of aces who are working their way back from injuries squaring off. Chicago's Matt Garza is making only his second start of the year after starting the season on the disabled list, and Cincinnati's Johnny Cueto is set for his second outing since coming off the 15-day disabled list.

Garza was outstanding in his season debut Tuesday against Pittsburgh, allowing only one hit and three walks over five scoreless innings, but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead for him. Garza has made four starts against the Reds - all in 2011 - and is 1-2 with a 3.80 ERA.

Cueto didn't have great command in his first start since April 13, as he walked four and gave up three runs in five innings against the New York Mets. He did get the win, though, and hasn't lost in his last seven starts dating to last season. Cueto is 8-6 with a 3.01 ERA in 18 starts against the Cubs, and he won all four outings against them last year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati pitchers have racked up 10 or more strikeouts 18 times this season, including three times against the Cubs.

2. Reds 2B Brandon Phillips is riding a 12-game hitting streak. Phillips is 4-for-12 with a double against Garza.

3. Cubs LF Alfonso Soriano has been feast or famine against Cueto, going 11-for-40 with four homers and seven strikeouts.